Typeractive Tales: A Collection of Clean Short Fiction Read online

  Judgment

  by Randy Lindsay

  Winston Robert Thorngate IV peered out the shuttle’s portal at the landscape below. Bombs had pockmarked the ground with the scars of war. Although the craters looked small, the smoking hulks of destroyed grav-tanks and other military vehicles proved that most were large enough to park a heavy cargo truck there.

  Dark columns of smoke rising from destroyed buildings and machines formed a black, ghostly forest. Amid the somber evidence of war stood a pristine white minaret of a ship that towered high above the chaos and ruin that surrounded it.

  The shuttle landed alongside the council ship; Winston gathered his troops, which is what he called the scribes, statisticians, diplomatic aides, economists, and lawyers who served on his staff. They were the highly educated soldiers of discreet warfare.

  Winston cleared his throat. They looked his way.

  “Hundreds of thousands have died in the conflict with the Ch-k-k-k Trrrr. The liberal use of military force on both sides has failed to control the half-dozen inhabitable worlds that occupy this section of space. Now, as you all know, the Enlightened Council has ordered an arbitration hearing to settle the matter.”

  His sweeping gesture directed his audience to the landscape below.

  “Look out the portals and you can see two armies sitting impotently across the battlefields from each other. With the Enlightened Ones watching, neither side dares fire upon the other.” Winston paused for effect. A brief look at the war-ravaged scenery below would pump-up his troops better than mere words. Handled correctly, death and destruction were highly motivating.

  “The fate of millions will be determined by the words of a few. Humanity waits for us to utter those words and seize victory.”

  The diplomatic team cheered at the end of Winston’s speech. Good! He needed them pumped-up and ready to unleash their peculiar brand of battle on the “Clackers.” In Winston’s mind, there was no doubt that the winner of the arbitration would enjoy prosperity and the loser would suffer hardship, perhaps even starvation, among the nearby colonies. Only fools believed that the diplomatic nature of this contest made it any less deadly.

  Behind Winston the airlock opened with a soft whooshing sound. He straightened to his fullest height. He squared his shoulders and jutted his chin forward. Then he led the rest of the team across the battle-ravaged sod to the council ship.

  A short, stocky, multi-armed alien waited for them inside the council ship. It reminded Winston of a furry, upright spider. With a motion of its two right arms, the alien directed the humans to follow it. Then it turned and waddled away.

  They walked to a room where the Clacker’s representatives waited. All three stood about two-and-a-half meters tall, small for the species. Four of their six appendages served as feet, leaving the two smaller forward limbs as arms. Cobalt blue exoskeletons topped a brilliant turquoise underside. The Clackers’ colors provided aerial camouflage on their home world.

  “They look much larger in person,” whispered Simon Hughes. As the mission’s number two negotiator, he demonstrated an appalling inability to grasp diplomatic nuance.

  “You seem impressed by their size,” Winston replied in a quiet tone. “A seasoned diplomat needs to recognize those factors that may sway others in order to organize a winning strategy; however, he must remain above such influence himself.”

  “Of course,” Hughes said sheepishly. “What I meant to say was that the Clackers are physically larger than we are.”

  “A fact that I noticed when I studied the mission file,” Winston responded in a whisper. “Why do you suppose I brought so many assistants to the arbitration? With greater numbers we will appear larger and more powerful than the Clackers, and that will allow us to negotiate from a position of strength.”

  “Very clever of you, Ambassador Thorngate,” fawned Hughes.

  “Of course,” said Winston with a smile and a nod.

  Simultaneously, the multi-armed alien motioned the Clackers forward with its two left arms and the humans with its two right arms. Winston allowed the Clackers to move first.

  Hughes leaned close. “Will the Clackers entering before us be taken as an indication of their superiority by the Enlightened Council?” he asked quietly.

  “More likely the council will view it as graciousness. Going second dispels any sense of desperate eagerness on our part and avoids an air of superiority. And, as any first-year diplomat knows, arriving last grants the best opportunity for making a grand entrance.”

  Only one Clacker followed the multi-armed alien. This surprised Winston. Thinking fast, he signaled for five members of the team to remain where they were. Unprepared for the quick change in plans, the humans bumbled into each other. Members of the group shuffled left, right, and forward as they sorted out who would stay behind and who would go along. Winston maintained his calm, friendly façade despite the damage he knew this buffoonery wrecked upon their credibility. At last, they moved into the room.

  Winston entered first. Two small, copper-colored tables stood ahead of and to either side of the doorway. In front of the tables stood a long white bench, like the ones the judges of earth sat behind during criminal trials. Despite good lighting, which emanated from a source not visible to Winston, the far recesses of the room faded into darkness before revealing any walls. It gave a sense of existing in some private pocket-universe to which only those in the room had been invited.

  The Council members occupied the bench and watched the two delegations as they entered the room. Despite the obvious differences in size, all of the Council members looked down upon the proceedings from the same height. Not a great height, to be sure, just enough to establish their superiority.

  Pictures he had studied from the diplomatic archive allowed Winston to identify to which enlightened species each of the Council members belonged. What appeared to him to be an emerald-green lizard with a giraffe-like neck was one of the Slinndar. They were the youngest of the enlightened ones, having reached the pinnacle of evolution a mere 340,000 years ago.

  The Dray-Ho-Tan had helped create the council. They were small, thin humanoids with light gray skin, large round eyes, and large heads. In physiological terms, they were the closest to humans of the five enlightened races.

  Least like the humans were the Photolons. They had taken the primary role in founding the council. Composed of pure energy, they didn’t exhibit a defined form—at least none that the humans could discern. They appeared as softly glowing clouds of pastel light. It was rumored that they had originally been corporeal life-forms who eventually developed into their present state.

  The WeeHooRaa looked like parrot fish with tentacles instead of fins. They were an aquatic species that had manipulated their evolution to become amphibious. This was an important step in their goal to explore the stars. A small mobile machine misted the creatures, but despite the moist skin they still looked miserable.

  In the center of the bench sat a Gurgar. It resembled a large humanoid hedgehog with a prehensile nose. The Gurgar were the work-horses of the Council. Individual Gurgars acted as liaisons between the council and gas-breathing species. They were the most commonly encountered Enlightened Ones.

  Except for the Photolons, the members of the council wore clothing of the same pearly white material. The style varied, but all displayed the Blazing Sun emblem of the Enlightened Council. For the Photolon, a plaque, atop the bench, displayed the council emblem.

  The Clacker delegate had already positioned himself at the desk on the right. Winston walked over to the remaining desk and unpacked his briefcase. He had intended for his briefing papers to be spread over an area much larger than the surface available to him. He wanted the council to know the humans were well-prepared and had plenty to say. Instead, he covered the desk with the papers he expected to use most frequently and packed the rest away.

  “Which of you speaks for the humans?” the Gurgar asked.

  “I do,
Your Honor,” Winston replied.

  “Very well, please keep in mind that you, and only you, are permitted to address the council. It is expected that any species which has reached out to the interstellar community should be unified enough for a single member to represent the species as a whole. Any breach of this protocol will result in the expulsion of the offender from these proceedings, which will adversely affect your presentation.”

  The speaker delivered the message in perfect Earth Standard Dialect (ESD). When she finished, she faced the Clacker and addressed it in what Winston suspected was perfect bug language. Clacks, chirps, and twirps were relayed to the humans in ESD through the translators they wore in their ears. The Clacker acknowledged that it was to speak for the species. First it asked for permission to record the proceedings to take back to the Assembly of Hives.

  Five species made up the Enlightened Council. Each of the enlightened races had advanced to nearly god-like understanding and power many millennia past. They had the ability to lay waste to entire worlds and destroy lesser civilizations with impunity. Older members of the intergalactic community insisted that a war between the Enlightened Ones would end with the destruction of the universe.

  Despite the horrible powers available to them, the universe was not threatened. The Enlightened Ones possessed surprisingly few systems and expressed little interest in expanding. If they could be believed, their respect for the rights of others and not fear of mutual destruction stayed their hands.

  Together the enlightened races regulated the space-traveling species of the universe. They monitored more than they meddled.

  Lesser species were permitted to build empires, advance in their understanding of the universe, engage in commerce, and even wage minor wars against one another. The council interfered only when they perceived conflicts had escalated to an unhealthy level. This meant unhealthy on a cosmic scale and was not always apparent how to the lesser species.

  “So there will be no misunderstanding,” continued the Gurgar, “know that the decision of the council will be enforced. Please understand that our goal is to see all species thrive and progress.”

  “The Ch-k-k-k Trrrrr will respect and abide by the decision of the council,” clacked Winston’s opponent. It was a given that everyone would honor the judgment of the council since none of the lesser species could stand up to the might of the council peacekeepers. The gracious response, uttered first by the Clacker, was a brilliant maneuver. It established a positive rapport from its willingness to cooperate without hesitation.

  “We recognize the superior wisdom of the Council; the humans will gladly heed the verdict.” Winston added a few honoraries to his statement, but he knew that coming in second had scored him no points.

  “Very well,” the Gurgar continued. “Who would like to go first?”

  “If it is all right with the Ch-k-k-k Trrrrr representative, I would.” Winston did not want to come in second again.

  When the Clacker snapped its claws in agreement, the Gurgar faced the human delegation.

  “Tell us about yourself.”

  “Do you mean us humans?”

  “However you interpret the question.”

  Winston paused for a moment. In this situation, he was the humans. He had been selected to represent the human species and, to his mind, Earth had done well in making that choice.

  Standing tall and straight, he took in a big chest-inflating breath and began: “I am Winston Robert Thorngate IV. If Earth is going to be judged by the merits of one man, then know that I am descended from doctors, statesmen, and diplomats who have loyally served their fellow humans. I stand here, now, ready to continue that practice.

  “In the tradition of human greatness, I have forged peace treaties with the Kogethtarvi and the Lun, thus bringing trade and prosperity to our species and theirs. I traveled to the Purrenne homeworld during a dispute between our two worlds and labored, in that vulnerable setting, to make amends for the misunderstanding perpetrated by one of our exploration frigates. Our sorrow over the unfortunate event was great, and I steadfastly pushed to award them the largest concession that I had been authorized to give.”

  Winston briefly wondered if the large quantities of second-hand equipment and technology could even be considered a concession. It was more a small token of regret taken from humanity’s outdated military surplus.

  “On a less epic scale, I am an accomplished artist. My work in oils and watercolors vividly expresses the passion I feel for the beauty of nature and the diversity of human accomplishment. During college, I participated in a quartet. The four of us explored the range of exquisite harmonies that the human voice is capable of uttering and studied the spiritual meaning of the lyrics.

  “Out of a sense of modesty, I prefer to withhold the list of awards and merits I have received for my own endeavors. Instead, let me tout the accomplishments of the human race. Few species have attained space flight so early in their development. Our level of technology far surpasses almost all species of a similar age. Already we out-develop, out-explore, and out-trade any of the species who surround us, and we are still considered fledglings in interstellar terms. We are destined for great things.

  “Speaking of exploration, I would like to mention to the Council that Earth discovered the planets currently being discussed and were the first to lay claim to them.”

  Winston took a deep breath in preparation for the rest of his speech, but the Gurgar nodded slowly and majestically at him then turned to the Clacker. In the Clacker language, she asked the same question.

  “I am nothing,” stated the Clacker. “I do my part and I expire. The hive is nothing. It breeds, it labors, it expands, and it is subject to the whims of nature. Only the species has significance. Through the species comes eternal evidence of our worth. Through it comes lasting value to the universe.”

  It stopped. Winston waited for it to continue. It didn’t. Sure the speech had a humble quality to it, but if that was the best that could be said, the humans had this bagged.

  “Thank you,” the Gurgar said. “The Council will now take time to confer amongst ourselves. Please remain where you are. If it appears that the discussion will be lengthy, someone will be sent to escort you back to your quarters until we are ready to announce our decision.”

  All five of the council members moved away from the bench and were swallowed up in the darkness beyond.

  Winston looked at the empty bench and then to each of his assistants. The shocked expressions on their faces confirmed that they were as unprepared for the verdict as he. He recovered quickly and asked each one to express his thoughts on the exchange. The last of them had just finished his report when the Council returned.

  “The Council has made its judgment.” The Gurgar paused to ensure everyone was paying attention before she continued. “The Ch-k-k-k Trrrrr will retain control of the six disputed planets. Human colonists will be allowed to remain there under Ch-k-k-k Trrrrr rule, and human merchants will be permitted to ply their trades under the same restriction as apply to all the inhabitants and visitors to this region of space. As a sign of compliance, we expect human military forces to be withdrawn immediately and without further hostilities. The Ch-k-k-k Trrrrr will be expected to provide safe passage to any humans entering and leaving the disputed area.

  “That is our decision. The Ch-k-k-k Trrrrr delegate is dismissed. We ask the humans to remain a few minutes longer.”

  The Clacker gave a formal nod of recognition and then packed up its recorder and left.

  Winston listened to the clickity-clack of its four legs as it walked out of the chamber. It didn’t make sense. As he scored it, the humans were slightly ahead in arbitration. They had excelled in both substance and delivery. How could they have failed to win?

  “We empathize with your sense of loss in this situation. Since this is the first time the humans have appeared for arbitration by the Council, we would like to add to your understanding, if we can.”
>
  Winston roughly grabbed up the papers spread out on the small table. “What influenced your decision?” he asked.

  “On a cosmic level, we are nothing. Even the enlightened races are no more than motes of dust floating amid the vastness of the universe. We have nothing to boast about when our exploits are compared to that which surrounds us. And embracing that fact gives a species the necessary outlook to progress.”

  Winston rolled his eyes as he carelessly stuffed a handful of papers into his briefcase. “Do you think the clackers believe that?” he asked. “They said what they thought you wanted to hear.”

  “I suspect that is so. The Ch-k-k-k Trrrrr are an aggressive species.”

  “Then why award them the planets?”

  “Because, they are aware of what is necessary to progress, even if they are unwilling to take the next step. A species cannot act on a principle until they know what it is and that places the Ch-k-k-k Trrrrr further along the road to enlightenment.”

  “But is awarding them six planets because they know what to say, just a little bit excessive?”

  “Certainly for the humans the stakes in this matter are significant. However, we believe suffering a set-back of this magnitude will provide incentive for the humans to think hard upon what you have heard.”

  “Tell me, what would have happened if we had given the same response as the Ch-k-k-k Trrrrr?”

  “We would review the recent history, for each of your species, to determine how well you live the principles you claim to embrace.”

  “So, unless a species conforms to your rules of conduct you prevent them from progressing.”

  The Gurgar let out a series of gentle, mirthful grunts that Winston took for laughter.

  “My dear child, we stop no one. The laws of progress are as old as the universe. We are where we are because we abide by them, and in order to become like us, so must you. I hope you will see that we do not act to restrain others. We work to teach the younger species to free themselves from the limits of their egos.”

  The Gurgar inclined her body forward in a reasonable imitation of a formal bow. Then the light that illuminated the bench went out. Neither the bench, nor the walls, were visible. For a moment, it appeared to Winston that his small enclave alone occupied the tiny dimension composed of two small copper tables.

  A light scratching sound caused the delegation to turn around. The multi-armed alien motioned them to move through the open door behind him. Winston slammed his briefcase closed and slowly strode out of the room and then out of the ship.

  Only Winston’s brooding eyes betrayed the fact that his emotions were not as calm as the expression on his face. As he neared the shuttle, a sneer twitched into existence and then was quickly subdued.

  Winston felt shame at losing a case pivotal to mankind’s galactic expansion. He feared that this blemish on his record could irreparably damage his career. Above all, he raged at these aliens who aspired to be gods and used their scientific advances to bully the evolving species.

  Despite what the Council might think, Mankind was not a cranky teenage race to be restricted to its room until it learned to play nicely. Humanity had reached the stars, without help, and could determine its own path. Earth would deal with the Enlightened Council as they would deal with any bully.

  Winston boarded the shuttle. His troops trudged through the hatch after him.

  “What now?” Hughes asked.

  “We draft an eloquent acceptance of terms where we praise the Council for their wise and benevolent guidance.” Winston arched his left eyebrow. A wicked smile formed. He looked at Hughes and continued. “In our mission reports to Earth, we explain the Council’s inflexibility toward humanity, as well as their frivolous arbitration process, and recommend that we adopt a more furtive policy in future dealings alien species.”

  “Will that . . . I mean, should we?” sputtered Hughes.

  “Let me explain it to you in terms you’ll understand,” said Winston. “We are going to thank the Council for their parental advice. Then we will do as we please behind their backs.”